Sing Me a Story

My Creative Writing professor, Dr. Briggs, stressed the importance of really knowing our characters. At any given moment we had to spew out facts such as what was in our character’s trash can, what they ate for lunch, what they wore to bed, and who was on their speed dial. Having that background knowledge would allow us to develop our stories, our conflicts, and our resolutions.

When he asked, “How does your character drink his coffee?” and called on me, I panicked. I answered the only way I could think of. “Light, no sugar,” I said, as I sipped my creamy, bitter cup. Although I understood the theory of the exercise, it was lost on my un-creative writing brain.

This exercise came back to me when I happened upon Stephenie Meyer’s website. She posts lists of songs that have either a) inspired her as she wrote her popular Twilight series or b) inspired her characters through their ficitious journey of love and vampirism.

I bet Dr. Briggs is now assigning this every semester! If he called on me now, I would spew out favorite song titles from my iPod’s 25 Most Played Playlist.

This fun idea is picking up popularity among writers, and many post playlists on their websites. I’ve compiled an extensive list of adult and young adult authors who have done this exercise. Check out a book and give it a try!

As mentioned before, Stephenie Meyer has made playlists for each book in her Twilight series (YA FIC MEY). Enjoy modern rock by Plain White T’s, Incubus and Killers throughout Bella’s coming of age quartet: